Player Profile: Chris Ferguson

Chris Ferguson has enjoyed playing poker since the age of ten. And even while attending UCLA where he earned a Ph.D. in computer science, he continued to play poker for play money on internet chat rooms, as he pursued his desire to hone his poker- playing skills.

Highly intelligent, and possessed of an inquisitive and analytical mentality, Ferguson was born on April 11, 1963 in Los Angeles, California to parents who both have doctorate degrees in mathematics. Thomas Ferguson, Chris' father, teaches game theory at UCLA. In game theory players are taught to utilize various actions designed to maximize returns. Obviously such a theory would be extremely helpful to a poker player, and undoubtedly these lessons were passed on to son, Chris.

Chris' combination of intelligent thinking and a natural affinity and talent for poker has resulted in a successful career for Ferguson in the world of professional tournament poker.
Chris started his tournament play in his native state of California in 1994, and became a World Series of Poker competitor the following year. Five years later, Chris won the main event at the 2000 World Series of Poker, defeating T.J. Cloutier, and taking home $1.5 million in prize money.As of 2006, Chris has earned more than $5,600,000 in live tournament play.

All told, Chris Ferguson was won five World Series of Poker Tournament bracelets, with forty-five in-the-money finishes, and one main event win (2000).
Chris has nine in-the-money finishes in World Poker Tour competition and reached the final table once. His World Series of Poker bracelets were won during the following tournaments:

• 2000- $2500 Seven Card Stud – $151,000
• 2000- $10,000 No Limit Hold ‘em World Championship – $1,500,000
• 2001- $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo Split 8 or Better – $164,735
• 2003- $2,000 Omaha Hi-Lo Split 8 or Better – $123,680
• 2003- $2,000 ½ Limit Hold ‘em - ½ Seven Card Stud – $66,220

Chris was runner-up to Phil Hellmuth Jr. in the 2005 National Heads-Up Poker Championship, and was once again in the final in 2006, but finished behind Ted Forrest

You can't help but notice Chris Ferguson when he enters a tournament locale. He is tall and slender, with a dark beard and long dark hair cascading down below the shoulders. Top that off with a dark Stetson and trailing duster and you are looking at a figure out of an old-fashioned Wild West movie. However, his fellow competitors have taken more notice of his tall slimness and long dark hair, and have nicknamed him "Jesus."

Chris is currently single and living in Pacific Palisades, California.